In 1997, New Jersey implemented its welfare initiative, Work First New Jersey, which included five-year time limits on cash assistance, immediate work requirements for most clients, and expanded support services. This fifth, and final, report from our multiyear study tracking an early group of...

Shows that WFNJ clients continue to leave welfare for work and improve their outcomes. Although many are in low-paying jobs, their earnings are increasing, and more are getting fringe benefits. However, one in three remains on TANF, and they face multiple barriers to employment--for example,...

Based on four rounds of annual follow-up surveys with an early group of NJ TANF recipients, this brief can help inform recent policy debates related to welfare and marriage. The study found that marriage is relatively rare for TANF recipients, with only about 1 in 10 married and living with a...

This article investigates the long-term economic gains of current and former TANF recipients and explores the extent to which these recipients experience steady economic progress. Results suggest that recipients generally show economic progress but that there is considerable instability and...

Notes substantial economic progress for most clients over time, although the pace of progress has slowed considerably. The majority of welfare recipients find jobs, although many find it difficult to maintain sustained employment. Some groups continue to struggle financially, particularly those...

Uses recent data from NJ to examine the extent to which recipients who left welfare for work during the strong economy are eligible for unemployment insurance. Finds that between 50 and 60 percent are monetarily eligible in an average quarter. However, notes that TANF leavers are more likely...

Shows that WFNJ clients continue to leave welfare for work and improve their outcomes. Although many are in low-paying jobs, their earnings are increasing, and more are getting fringe benefits. However, one in three remains on TANF, and they face multiple barriers to employment--for example,...

Based on four rounds of annual follow-up surveys with an early group of NJ TANF recipients, this issue brief focuses on those who have left the welfare rolls and are not working. About one in four recipients in this group were in this status throughout much of the study's follow-up period. The...

Compares the characteristics and experiences of two groups of Work First New Jersey clients: (1) an early group that participated in the first year of program operations from July 1997 to June 1998; and (2) a later group participating from July 2000 to June 2001. Finds that caseload characteristics...

Maternity group homes offer an innovative and intensive approach to addressing the needs of an extremely vulnerable population—teenage mothers and their children who have no other suitable place to live. This report documents the implementation of such programs in seven states. Issues...